History

History

For more than a century, Berkeley has attracted thinkers, artists, innovators, political activists and problem solvers.

Our city is famous for tackling tough social issues that many communities accept as intractable or even disregard.

In that tradition, the Berkeley Community Fund was founded in 1991 by a group whose love for Berkeley and for a community of hope and equity inspired them to set up a fund that would reflect their optimistic, activist goals. The founders hoped to translate the abstract wishes of Berkeley citizens for a just and caring society into concrete programs that would begin to achieve such a community in our city. Since its inception, BCF has focused on issues of social and economic justice and the common good.

In 2007, BCF decided to focus on the youth graduating from Berkeley High School and attending college. More than 100 BHS graduates have been supported through our scholarships, mentoring and college advising.

In September 2019, we changed our name to Berkeley Community Scholars in order to create a clearer message to the community at large about what we do and for whom we serve. We currently provide services to more than 150 students in both community college and four year colleges and universities throughout the U.S.